The Denver Nuggets find themselves struggling as injuries and player absences hamper their season, significantly impacting the NBA MVP race. Despite Nikola Jokic’s strong 30-point, 12-rebound performance against the Boston Celtics on February 25, 2026, his dominant display wasn’t enough to regain full confidence among voters due to physical concerns. With Peyton Watson sidelined and Jamal Murray’s recent ejection raising doubts, the Nuggets are relying heavily on Jokic, even as the MVP race sees a notable shift toward Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Brian Windhorst Highlights Jokic’s Declining MVP Candidacy
According to ESPN senior writer and veteran MVP voter Brian Windhorst, Jokic’s position in the MVP race has weakened despite the player’s efforts. Windhorst noted that Jokic’s physical condition appears compromised, affecting his consistency in the crucial final part of the season.
I had Jokic as my MVP in December. I voted him third in this most recent straw poll that we had because he doesn’t look right to me,
Windhorst explained on ESPN.
Windhorst also pointed out that Jokic’s unusual number of missed shots signals a decline from his usual elite performance.
I’m not blaming him, because I just think he’s not 100%. He missed 17 shots last night. Perfect. Jokic doesn’t miss 17 shots in weeks. Like, he plays four games, doesn’t miss 17 shots.
Jokic’s season took a hit after suffering a hyperextended knee in December 2025, which sidelined him for a month. Though he has returned to play at a high level, the MVP race has become much more competitive in his absence, with newcomers like Luka Doncic, Jaylen Brown, and Victor Wembanyama emerging as frontrunners.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Emerges as a Leading MVP Contender
While Jokic was once the clear favorite to claim his fourth MVP award, recent developments indicate a strong challenge from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, provided he meets the game‘s minimum eligibility requirements. Windhorst acknowledged Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact despite the guard sitting out nine games with an abdominal strain.
Look, I got Shai, and I know he hadn’t played in nine games, and I know if he misses like another nine, he’s going to be invalidated. But when he’s been out there, the guy has been absolutely killer,
Windhorst stated.
The NBA’s 65-game minimum rule creates a delicate balance in assessing MVP candidates, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s strong performances have kept him in contention while sidelined by injury. His ability to remain healthy enough to qualify will be crucial as the season advances.
New Faces Make the MVP Battle Increasingly Unpredictable
The 2026 MVP race has transformed from a two-player contest into a multifaceted competition that includes Victor Wembanyama and Jaylen Brown, with both players poised to rise if frontrunners falter. Windhorst noted the race‘s fluidity and the possibility for new leaders to emerge should Jokic or Gilgeous-Alexander fail to meet eligibility or form standards.
So look, if you’re Brown, if you’re Victor Wembanyama, you can rise up. Like, it is definitely fluid, but to me, I still got number two [open]
Despite Jokic’s strong recent game and status as a three-time MVP winner, voters have started to question his peak performance potential due to lingering injury effects. The narrative around his health may inhibit his ability to reclaim the top spot in the MVP race.
Implications of the Shifting MVP Landscape
The evolving dynamic of the MVP race highlights the unpredictable nature of the NBA season as it nears its conclusion. Injuries, eligibility rules, and individual performances have combined to create a tense environment where no frontrunner can afford to falter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s surge represents a significant challenge to Nikola Jokic’s dominant legacy, while the emergence of Victor Wembanyama and Jaylen Brown adds further complexity.
Given this competitive uncertainty, the final MVP voting may hinge not just on individual performances, but also on durability and availability. Fans and analysts alike remain on edge as the league’s top players battle through injuries and tight schedules to make their case for this season’s most valuable player.
